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AeroPACK Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cargo Carriers - Types of cargo carriers that are on the Market
  • AeroPack Advantages - Why Choose AeroPACK?
  • Does AeroPACK Fit My Vehicle?
  • How to compare AreoPACK vs. HARD SHELL CARRIERS
  • AeroPACK vs. Other Soft Carriers
  • Durability
  • Construction
  • Storm Proof
  • Is Aeropack safe?
  • Can I Access My Trunk or Lift Gate When AeroPACK is Attached?
  • Will AeroPACK affect my cars finish?
  • Does AeroPACK Look Good on My Car?
  • How to Carry Your Gear, Save Time and M.P.G.
  • How To Choose The Right Cargo Carrier
  • Satisfaction Guarantee & Return Policy


    Cargo Carriers - Types of cargo carriers that are on the Market

    So you're heading off on a road trip and you've got more gear than your vehicle can carry. It's a common problem and there are a lot of products out there. With all these options, how do you make a good choice? To carry gear the main issues are: mounting, loading, fuel mileage impact, weather resistance, safety and cost. Here is a summary of the three types of auto cargo carriers.

    Roof Mount CarriersAeroPACKHitch Mount Carriers
    - Can be very expensive
    - Create aerodynamic drag
    - Decrease gas mileage
    - Hard to load & access
    - Bulky to store roof box
    - Raises Roof clearance
    - Need rack / rail system
    + Loads on the ground
    + Rear mounted
    + No impact to MPG
    + Folds up small
    + No rack needed
    + A fraction of the price
    + For boxy items
    - Hitch mount hardware required
    - Protrudes out 2-3 feet
    - Alters vehicle dynamics
    - Bulky & heavy to store

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    AeroPack Advantages - Why Choose AeroPACK?

  • Roof mount carriers rob gas mileage, are hard to load and are bulky to store. AeroPACK is superior all around.
  • AeroPACK improves airflow and virtually eliminates drag.
  • Easy installation, load and go in minutes.
  • Lower Center of Gravity - AeroPACK mounts behind the vehicle, lowering the center of gravity for improved safety.
  • Storm Proof Construction - Durable, super tough construction that will beat rain, slush and snow storms.
  • Fuel Saving - Mounts in the vehicle slipstream, reduces eddy currents, improves aerodynamics and mileage.
  • Folds up small to Save Space
  • No racks, rails or hardware required.
  • AeroPACK is 1/3 the cost of roof box systems.

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    Does AeroPACK Fit My Vehicle?

    AeroPACK fits small SUVs, crossovers, sedans, minivans, hatchbacks and large SUVs. Simply insert the J Hooks into the channel at the top of the lift gate (or to thin roof rack cross rail) and attach the lower grip clips at the lower sides of the lift gate.
    AeroPACK comes in three sizes with the following dimensions:

    AeroPACK 10 cu. ft. dimensions:
    24" Long (front to back)
    46" Wide (left-to-right)
    15" High

    AeroPACK 14 cu. ft. dimensions:
    25" Long (front to back)
    50" Wide (left-to-right)
    20" High

    AeroSACK 9 cu. ft. dimensions:
    24" Long (front to back)
    46 Wide (left to right)
    15 High

    The AeroPACK fits on the rear liftgate, hatchback or trunk of your wagon, sedan, suv, minivan, crossover or van. The NHSTB recommends that you not block the left & right tail lights, or license plate. It is recommended you have 2 functioning mirrors when AeroPACK is installed. Be responsible to install AeroPACK to comply with all federal and local traffic laws.

    To choose the size that fits your vehicle, simply measure the width between the tail lights and select the size that fits. If you have problems fitting the AeroPACK carrier to your car, email us a digital photo or call us. If a fit is not possible you will receive a refund of your purchase price, minus a 20% restocking fee. Only Attach AeroPACK grip clips to hard points, not glass, plastic, or rubber parts.

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    How to compare AreoPACK vs. HARD SHELL CARRIERS

    For a fraction of the price, AeroPACK gives you ease of use, flexibility, protection, storage capacity and superior aerodynamic efficiency. Hard-cased roof carriers only work with roof racks (and often need additional rails or lifters). Hard-cased carriers are also heavy, and are awkward to mount and remove, and steal your valuable storage space at home.

    The AeroPACK cargo carrier can be used on any car, sedan, mini van, crossover or suv, with or without rack, and its mounting location behind the car gives you aerodynamic efficiency (no loss of mileage due to wind resistance), lower center of gravity, and a quiet ride. In addition, AeroPACK is light-weight (11 pounds) and stores in the stuff bag. You'll use your AeroPACK more often than a hard-cased carrier because it can be easily folded and stored neatly in the storage bag, in your car, house or garage.

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    AEROPACK vs. OTHER SOFT CARRIERS

    AeroPACK is the only soft cargo carrier to offer the highest quality and the best value:

  • The AeroPACK is made of premium ultra-tough double vinyl coated polyester material that is completely waterproof, UV resistant and resists tearing to 480 lbs. Most other soft roof top carriers use cheaper backpack nylon, thin, non-waterproof fabrics. These low end fabrics fail in a short time because of UV damage, cold cracking, abrasion, or because of sharp objects piercing through the fabric.
  • AeroPACK's innovative mounting behind the car/van out of the wind stream. AeroPACK eliminates drag, will not get pelted with the elements or bugs because it mounts out of the wind stream. Roof top carriers increases drag, which reduces your fuel mileage 20%-25% (Consumer Reports, and Edmonds), and creates wind noise.
  • Unlike lower-quality nylon, the material used in the AeroPACK will not stain or attract dirt or dust and will maintain its lustrous appearance.
  • We use only high-quality straps and super-strong buckles which have been tested to 350 lbs.

    The Pro: AeroPACK mounts behind your vehicle and does not reduce MPG like a roof top carrier. It eliminates 'sail effect' and high center gravity of roof mount carriers. It can be loaded and installed in a few minutes. Load AeroPACK safely on the ground. It uses heavy storm proof construction. It folds flat for easy storage. AeroPACK innovates by, combining performance, design and value, to save fuel, save time, to safely carry your gear.

    The Con: We cannot think of any.

    The Bottom Line: With every changing fuel prices, people are driving smaller vehicles. You can leave the gas guzzler at home, load up the economical vehicle and use AeroPACK - easily carry your gear, it won't ruin your mileage, and saves space.

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    Durability

    The AeroPACK cargo carrier is built to stand up to years of tough use:

  • It is made in the USA, with the highest manufacturing standards, by a company with a long manufacturing experience.
  • It is made with waterproof, heavy-duty, tight-knit, double coated polyester fabric.
  • This very strong material has double sewn seams. The fabric is also UV resistant, which allows the AeroPACK carrier to endure years of constant exposure to the sun without damage.
  • The zipper in the AeroPACK carrier is heavy-duty, self-healing and self-lubricating.
  • The heavy duty delrin hardware is rated for high load carrying capacity.
  • The 2 inch straps are heavy-duty for strength and safety, and UV resistant for durability.

  • The 5 point mounting system, has J Hooks that are vinyl dipped galvanized steel.

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    Construction

    The material used in the AeroPACK totally waterproof, this material is tough and durable. It is treated to resist the damaging effect of UV rays. It won't fade or deteriorate, even with constant exposure to the sun. Here's more:

  • All exposed seams are double sewn, for mechanical strength. Not heat welding, which can delaminate or tear.
  • The zipper is also slip-resistant, so it will never open by itself. In addition, the zipper is covered with a flap to further deter water penetration.
  • The AeroPACK cargo carrier is designed to withstand and be fully functional at -40 degrees F, and up to +250 F degrees.
  • We have road tested AreoPACK thousand miles!, in desert heat, alpine snow and rain and it performs flawlessly.

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    Storm Proof

    No carrier is water proof. Storm proof is more accurate, AeroPACK carriers are made with a strong and fully waterproof polyester fabric coated with vinyl on both sides. AeroPACK has a liner for extra measure of water and storm resistance.

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    Is AeroPACK safe?

    Absolutely! When mounted and positioned correctly AreoPACK meets all NHSTA safety requirements and lowers the center of gravity. We have traveled the highways with AreoPACK on sedans, minivans and compact cars. AeroPACK performed flawlessly in mountain blizzards, rain storms and desert heat. We use the highest quality straps and hardware, a 5 point suspension system tested to 350 pounds, to ensure safe and trouble-free operation. We have road tested AreoPACK for thousands and thousands of miles. It is durable, rugged, it looks and performs like new. AeroPACK has reflective patches for night time safety.

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    Can I Access My Trunk or Lift Gate When AeroPACK is Attached?

    Yes! Unlike other carriers you can access your trunk or lift gate with AeroPACK attached to your vehicle. No more unstrapping and disconnecting straps. Just unlatch the lift gate or trunk and lift it open. AeroPACK works with hich mount racks allowing you to take your bikes or other gear!

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    Will AeroPACK affect my cars finish?

    No, but we strongly recommend always using the Aero Pad, a soft, non-slip mesh that will protect the painted surface against potential abrasion caused by vibration and dust during travel.

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    Does AeroPACK Look Good on My Car?

    Yes! The aerodynamic design of the AeroPACK carrier is inspired by the streamlined boat tail. It is functional, durable and looks good. The high-quality material used in the AeroPACK can be easily cleaned by washing with water or wiping with a damp cloth.

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    Carry Your Gear, Save Time, Your Budget and M.P.G

  • Do not drive your car with a roof top carrier. This outer luggage can cause serious drag on the car and reduce your mileage by up to 20-25 percent. At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. (Research by consumer reports and Edmonds)


    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/103164/article.html


    Our family loves to camp, but we always have one problem - fitting our gear into the car. When we had a smaller family, we somehow managed to jam it all in. But as our family increased in size, so did our storage needs. We purchased a bigger car, a roof rack, and a roof top carrier for our luggage. Here is what we learned in the process: The Problems with Roof Top Cargo Carriers: We discovered from experience that roof mount carriers have serious disadvantages: they are awkward to load, reduce gas mileage, can be very expensive, and are bulky to store. Here are the details:

    1. Difficult to Load: A roof mounted carrier fits on the top of a vehicle, which requires lifting your gear up above your head or climbing on the roof to load the gear. This is cumbersome, time consuming, and physically tiring.

    2. Difficult to Mount: Roof mounted carriers may require extra hardware which is cumbersome and time consuming to install.

    3. Wastes fuel: Roof mounted carriers cause significant aerodynamic drag which makes your engine work harder. This can reduce gas mileage by 5-6 miles per gallon or more. Studies by Consumer Reports and Edmunds indicate that roof top carriers reduce fuel efficiency by an average of 20 percent.

    4. Reduced Safety: Roof mounted carriers make a vehicle more unstable in cross winds, raise the center of gravity, and increase rollover risk.

    5. Expensive: Roof mounted carriers can be very expensive. When you add up overall cost, including cross rails and mounting hardware, a complete roof box system can cost $850 or more.

    6. Difficult to Store: Hard shell roof boxes are bulky, and they take up valuable storage space.

    The bottom line: Carrying your gear on the roof of your car has significant disadvantages: it requires climbing and lifting, ruins aerodynamics, cuts gas mileage, causes a sail effect, is expensive, and the boxes are bulky to store.

    The Solution: Fortunately, there is a better way - rear mount cargo carriers. The new class of rear mount cargo carriers attach securely behind a vehicle and are easy to load. Rugged and weatherproof, they are a great alternative to roof mount carriers.

  • Advantages of Rear Mount Cargo Carriers:

    1. Easy to Load: Gear can be easily loaded at ground level (no ladder required)

    2. Easy to Mount: Mounts quickly and easily to your lift gate or trunk (no extra hardware required)

    3. Saves Fuel: Improves airflow – improves fuel efficiency

    4. Safer: Lower center of gravity, does not increase rollover risk

    5. Cost Effective: Won't break your budget

    6. Easy to Store: Folds compactly to the size of a brief case for easy storage

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    Satisfaction Guarantee & Return Policy

    AeroPACK CARRIERS: Once you receive our carrier, you have three weeks to inspect the product and test load it on your vehicle BEFORE you go on a trip.

    If for any reason you are not happy with the product call 408 318-4423 or email support@aeropackusa.com for a "Return Authorization" (RA) number and shipping instructions. The RA number MUST be printed large on the outside of the package or the shipment will be refused. Do not ship packages to our mail address. Send the package immediately with your invoice inside. Returns must be authorized within two weeks of purchase and sent back immediately. All sales final after 30 days.

    Full refunds, less shipping cost, will be issued only if product is returned in new condition (not used on a trip) and received by AeroPACK Enterprises or respective manufacturer within 21 days of invoice date. After 30 days we can not issue a refund.

    NOTICE: Returns outside of this agreement will be refused, returned, or charged a restocking fee of 20% of the value of the order. Once you take our products on a trip they are not returnable. Should there be any problems with materials or workmanship, AeroPACK Enterprise LLC or the manufacturer will exchange or fix the product per the warranty. No refunds on used (out of package) liners. Other terms and conditions from other manufacturers can apply. Call us if you have any questions before you order. Placing an order with us means you accept our company's and our partner company's terms and conditions.

    12 Month Limited Warranty: AeroPACK LLC warrants its cargo carriers to be free from manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials for 12 months from invoice date for the original purchaser of the bag. This Limited Warranty does not apply to ordinary wear and tear, punctures, or to damage resulting from abuse, or from causes other than defects in materials and workmanship, including modification of the original product or failure to follow instructions provided by AeroPACK Enterprises LLC. If any defect in materials or workmanship appears within warranty period, AeroPACK’s sole liability shall be to repair or replace product at AeroPACK's sole option. There are no other warranties, which extend beyond the face hereof. ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY STATE LAW, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE. AeroPACK Enterprises LLC, Mike Landgraf, or dealers are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the use of AeroPACK. No person, agent, distributor, dealer, or company is authorized to change, modify or extend the terms of this warranty in any manner whatsoever. Accessory items are not warranted other than two week satisfaction guarantee. Used equipment can not be returned.

    WARNING: The attachment of cargo carriers is critical and beyond the control of AeroPACK Enterprises LLC, owners, agents, and dealers. AeroPACK Enterprises LLC, owners, agents, and dealers are NOT responsible for the attachment nor the installation. It neither guarantees nor will it be liable for any damage resulting from its attachment or improper use. The liability of this product is limited to its purchase price if it proves to be defective in material and/or workmanship.

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